Independence Mission Schools (IMS) Announces New President

January 7, 2019

Bruce Robinson to Begin New Role on January 7th, 2019

Independence Mission Schools (IMS), a Philadelphia-based non-profit that provides a transformative Catholic education to nearly 5,000 low-income students of all faiths, today announced the successful completion of its national search and has named Bruce Robinson President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization. Robinson, former President of South Philadelphia based Neumann-Goretti High School, will build on the successes that IMS has experienced over the past six years in establishing a new model for Catholic education in some of the city’s highest-need neighborhoods. He will begin his new role on January 7th, 2019.

Robinson comes to IMS with both private and non-profit sector leadership experience, and has successfully applied his acquired business skills in the education sector. His most recent accomplishment includes the turnaround of Neumann-Goretti High School, which was struggling academically and financially. His achievements in that role included developing a strategic plan focused on operational and academic excellence, accountability and creating a culture of compassion and positivity. Under his tenure, the school saw freshmen enrollment increase significantly, operating deficits decrease and financial support from Foundations and philanthropists flourish.

Robinson is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate and education management industry. Prior to Robinson’s tenure as President of Neumann-Goretti High School, he was a founding investor and executive officer of GMH Communities Trust, a real estate investment trust specializing in college housing properties and military housing privatization. Under Bruce’s leadership, the company went public on the NYSE in 2004 and traded for four years before being sold to British construction conglomerate, Balfour Beatty. After the acquisition, he continued as CEO/President of Balfour Beatty Capital Group, a real estate company with an asset portfolio valued in excess of $5 billion, and 1100 employees in 23 states. Bruce has also served as an adjunct professor at Drexel University in both their undergraduate and graduate programs.

“After a long and thoughtful search, we are delighted to have Bruce Robinson join the IMS family”, said Brian McElwee, chair of the IMS board. “Bruce comes to us with a unique background in both business leadership and school management, which is not something that is easy to find. With Bruce’s vision, enthusiasm and proven experience in reviving Neumann-Goretti, one of Philadelphia’s most well-known Catholic High Schools, we are excited for what’s in store for IMS.”

As CEO and President of the organization, Robinson is responsible for managing all aspects of IMS, including strategic planning, fundraising, financial sustainability, academics, Catholic culture, talent development and enrollment management. He will drive the mission and vision of IMS and work collaboratively with the network’s board, management team and school leadership to help lay the foundation for its continued growth, academic success and long-term sustainability.